Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Political and International Relations Theory
Module Code	LG601
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Maura Conway Semester 2: Maura Conway Autumn: Maura Conway
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module will introduce students to the role of epistemology and theory in informing Social Science research. The focus will be on students familiarising themselves with the major debates about the nature of the Social world and how it can be understood, studied and researched. The module stresses student interaction with primary texts, instead of the frequently second-hand nature of many textbook based theory courses.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the different epistemological commitments of theories
2. Categorise theories in terms of their alignment with positivist and post-positivist philosophies
3. Apply appropriate theoretical frameworks to their own research questions
4. Recognise the theoretical frameworks underpinning existing social science research
5. Interrogate the validity and reliability of the underlying knowledge claims of positivist and post-positivist reseach

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Seminars	12	Student led presentations
Lecture	12	No Description
Independent learning	101	Preparation, Reading & Assignments
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Epistemology and the Philosophy of the Social Sciences: An introduction.
This lecture will introduce the key philosophical concepts underpinning Social science research..

The purpose, limits and possibilities of Theory.
This class will discuss the different purposes of theory, looking at normative and explanatory approaches..

Positivist Social Science: Causality and Explanation.
This class will examine the idea of 'normal science' and the application of the natural science approach to studying the social world..

Rational Choice Theory.
This class will introduce Rational Choice theory within the framework examined in the previous three classes. Examples of applied Rational Choice theory in the Social Sciences will be discussed..

Behaviouralism.
This class will introduce Behaviouralism within the framework examined in the first three classes. Examples of applied Behaviouralist research in the Social Sciences will be discussed..

Marxist Analysis.
This class will introduce Marxist theory within the framework examined in the first three classes. Examples of applied Marxist theory in the Social Sciences will be discussed..

Post-positivist Social Science: Interpretation and Hermeneutics.
This class will examine the idea of anti-foundationalist epistemology and the application of hermeneutic approaches to studying the social world..

Feminism.
This class will introduce Feminist theory within the framework examined in the first two classes and Post-positivist Social Science. Examples of applied Feminist theory in the Social Sciences will be discussed..

Critical Theory.
This class will introduce Critical Theory within the framework examined in the first two classes and Post-positivist Social Science. Examples of applied Critical Theory in the Social Sciences will be discussed..

Constructivism.
This class will introduce Constructivist theory within the framework examined in the first two classes and Post-positivist Social Science. Examples of applied Constructivist theory in the Social Sciences will be discussed..

Postmodernism and Poststructuralism.
This class will introduce Postmodernist and Poststructuralist theory within the framework examined in the first two classes and Post-positivist Social Science. Examples of applied Postmodern and Poststructural theory in the Social Sciences will be discussed..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	Reaction papers	20%	Every Week
Essay	Research Paper	80%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Janet Buttolph Johnson, Richard A. Joslyn, & H.T. Reynolds: 0, Political Science Research Methods, 4th,
Dvora Yanow & Peregrine Schwartz-Shea: 0, Interpretation and Method: Empirical Research Methods and the Interpretive Turn,
A.F. Chalmers: 0, What is this thing called science?,
Martin Hollis & Steve Smith: 0, Explaining and Understanding International Relations,
Joe Doherty, Elspeth Graham & Mo Malek: 0, Postmodernism and the Social Sciences,
Ian Hacking: 0, The social construction of what?,
Jurgen Habermas: 0, Theory and Practice,
Ludwig Wittgenstain: 0, Philosophical Investigations,
Michael Laver: 0, Private Desires, Political Action,
Donald Green & Ian Shapiro: 0, Pathologies of Rational Choice Theory,